By newsfirstusa 
Phoenix Suns superior Dick Van Arsdale, who was once the primary participant picked within the franchise’s enlargement draft to develop the crew, has died, the crew introduced on Monday. He was once 81.
Van Arsdale, who was once a second-round select of the New York Knicks in 1965, performed 3 seasons with the crew ahead of he going to Phoenix. He performed for the Suns from 1968 to 1977.
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Phoenix Suns safeguard Dick Van Arsdale, #5, is defended via Atlanta Hawks safeguard Pete Maravich, #44, at The Omni on Oct. 30, 1971 in Atlanta. (Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports activities)
“The first selection in the expansion draft to build the Suns roster and the scorer of the first points in team history, Van Arsdale was a cornerstone of the Suns organization,” the crew stated in a information drop. “He earned three All-Star selections, was a member of the team’s first trip to the NBA Finals in 1976 and retired as the franchise’s all-time leading scorer in 1977.
“Liked all through the Suns group and fanbase, Van Arsdale held a number of positions with the crew, together with broadcaster and entrance place of job govt, following his 12-year NBA occupation.”
A team spokesman told The Associated Press that the franchise had received the news from his family. A cause of death was not immediately released.
FILE – Phoenix Suns’ Dick Van Arsdale, #5, comes in on a play as New York Knicks’ Dick Barnett, #12, prepares to move out with the ball during an NBA basketball game at New York City’s Madison Square Garden on Oct. 21, 1969. (AP Photo/Ron Frehm, File)
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“Our ideas are along with his buddies and population, together with his dual brother and Suns teammate, Tom, throughout this hard occasion.”
Van Arsdale performed in 921 games and averaged 16.4 issues and four.1 rebounds in step with recreation in his occupation.
“We mourn the lack of Knicks alum, Dick Van Arsdale. Our ideas and reassurances journey out to the Van Arsdale population,” the Knicks added in a post on X.
A portrait of Dick Van Arsdale on Oct. 3, 2018, in his Scottsdale artwork studio in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Mark Henle, Mark Henle/The Republic)
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The “Unedited Solar” coached the Suns for 26 games in the 1986-87 season and was a radio commentator with Al McCoy.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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